“17AJ73"

An elaborately carved 18th c. box with lovebirds, flowers, and vines, and an inscription on the top bearing the date 1773, with a heart surrounded by the initials of the loved one. While no doubt made by a maker of footwarmers, this appears to have its original velvet lining and shows no sign of a conversion or prior use. It was probably intended as a box to hold jewelry or a love token. 
Netherlands, 1773.
9” square, 8 3/4” h.